Who should attend: Anyone who wants or needs to improve their native plant identification knowledge and/or skills: professional and student botanists, biologists, arborists, ecologists and native plant enthusiasts!

The Field Botany course will expose participants to basic botanical taxonomy and ecology. We will get a close-up look at plant parts, discover botanical terminology, and basic identifying characteristics. In two classroom sessions, we will learn about Michigan's diverse natural vegetation, emphasizing basic ecological principles of plant distribution, historic and contemporary influences on Michigan's major vegetation types.

During field sessions, you will develop skills in using plant family characteristics and dichotomous keys to identify plants. We will learn common and scientific names and the ecological relationships of 40 to 50 plants in three main habitats including wetlands, forests, and prairie-like clearings.

Class Size: 20 students

Topics:

Basic Botanical Terminology (Class Session)Enjoy an interactive, fun and fact-filled class designed to prepare you for success in your study of Michigan's flora. Participants will be exposed to basic botanical taxonomy and plant ecology as we get a close-up look at plant parts, discover botanical terminology, and learn basic identifying characteristics to set you up for success in the field!

Trees of Michigan's Forest (Field Trip)We will learn common species along geographic and soil gradients, from oak-hickory forests to beech-maple forests and the common understory plants to be found there. We will also discuss how land management affects forest communities.

The History and Distribution of Michigan's Native Plant Communities (Class Session)Have you ever wondered what "primeval" Michigan looked like? Well, you're in luck, the clues are everywhere in the landscape...You will be armed with the knowledge to decode the clues - soils, landforms, hydrology, dominant species - to understanding Michigan's native plant communities and the species that are found in them.

Wetland Plants of the Midwest (Field Trip)Come explore Michigan's wetlands! We will hike through a local natural area to see examples of the diverse wetland types that occur in Michigan and learn some of the common and more unique plants that are adapted to life in wet soils.

Prairies and Savannas of Michigan (Field Trip) Let's walk through the idyllic, flowery fields! We will learn to identify some common wildflowers and grasses (yes you can!) that are well-suited to life in the sun, as well as the difference between Michigan's rare native prairie and savanna habitats and the more mundane 'oldfields'.

Michigan Master Gardener Association, Inc.

Formed in early 2012, the Michigan Master Gardener Association is dedicated to supporting the volunteer and social efforts that have been part of the Michigan Master Gardener Program since its inception. We also offer an array of benefits to master gardener volunteers.

DO YOU HAVE A GARDENING EVENT YOU'D LIKE ADDED TO THE MMGA CALENDAR?

Just fill out an events form. Be sure to put the word EVENTS in the subject line. The best way to reach us is by using our online events form. Click here to go directly to that page. Once you've filled out the online form it goes directly to our events email.

does your master gardener group have a special project that you'd like to share? does your group have someone that goes above and beyond?

We'd like to hear about it. Please fill out our Spotlight Form and tell us what's going on in YOUR county. We'll follow up with you for more information and photos, and then we'll get the word out to our members. This is a great way to share your success, and an easy way to share great ideas with other Master Gardener groups.